STEVE Purches has been given the green light to start full training again after a specialist gave his troublesome ankle the all-clear.

The versatile Cherries star, who has been plagued with ankle trouble since the back end of last season, underwent surgery five weeks ago to repair a torn ligament, cartilage and chipped bone.

After a careful rehabilitation process overseen by Cherries physio, Jim Marshall, he is now on course for a first-team return in September.

Purches' imminent return to fitness will boost Sean O'Driscoll's threadbare resources with Jason Tindall, Steve Fletcher and Dani Rodrigues' respective injury problems already stretching the squad to breaking point.